Newsletter 05.17.17

Ten years ago our church planted another church under the leadership of then-pastor Phil McGehee. Since that time, Casa de Restauración has been served well by its pastor, Carlos Aguilar. We are two churches meeting at different times in the same building. However, though we are two separate local churches, we are all members of the universal church by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This means we are all apart of the family of God. This also means we are all working together for the same end—to glorify God through the spreading of His Gospel as we labor to make disciples through the context of local churches.

If we were able, we would merge into one church with great joy, but for now, language keeps that desire from becoming a reality. We remember that God in His sovereignty has determined even the languages we speak and nothing is outside the purposes of His wise providence. We are enabled to reach some and they are enabled to reach others. However, there is coming a day when we will join together with “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” as Revelation 7:9-10 describes.

Until that day, we must look for ways to partner with and encourage those who are separate from us in space, though not in spirit. With that being said, Sunday, May 28th, will be a great opportunity for us to remember the Lord’s plan for all His people as we gather with our sister church to worship together. We will celebrate their tenth anniversary through this combined service as we give all the praise to our God and Father. We will seek to glorify the Lord together and encourage one another through prayer, Scripture reading, singing, and preaching by aid of translation. Following our combined worship service, we will gather together for a fellowship meal in the family life center.

We have been blessed by God to see the ways in which He has chosen to work through their church. We have been impacted by their love of our Lord and challenged by Carlos’ faithfulness. They are near and dear to us by love—not just proximity. Let’s intentionally encourage Casa de Restauración and pastor Carlos this month. Praise the Lord for His goodness and might in blessing them and blessing us through them. His steadfast love endures forever!